Migration has been blamed for the housing crisis, but it’s not that simple

ABS data shows that the majority of students are in private rentals, rather than homes they own themselves or student accommodation. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

The government and the opposition have both promised cuts to migration in response, at least partially, to Australia’s housing crisis. But how much does immigration actually contribute to the cost of housing and rent?

While Labor has pledged to cap the number of students studying in Australia, the Coalition has flagged a 25% cut to permanent migration and a plan to restrict purchases by foreign buyers.